Sea cage

ABSTRACT

A pair of hemispherically shaped transparent shells is carried on a hinged annular bracket forming a water-flow resistant envelope for providing an underwater sanctuary for a diver. Suspending divers in contemporary, protective &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;jail-cell&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;-like cages from a surface craft subjects them to violet buffeting as the cage is jerked and dropped through the water as it follows the supporting ship&#39;&#39;s heaving and pitching motions. The hemispherical shells prevent such buffeting by enclosing a diver in a relatively static &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;slug&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; of water and simultaneously protecting him from all marine predators from sharks to piranhas. Mounting a pivotable hinge, diametrically opposed to a pair of separable handle elements, allows splitting of the Sea Cage its entire girth to permit an unimpeded entrance and exit from the cage.

United States Patent 72] Inventors [54] SEA CAGE 9 Claims, 2 Drawing Figs. [52] U.S.Cl. 61/69 R, 1 14/16 R [51] Int. Cl. ..B63c 11/00, 863g 8/00 [50] Field of Search 114/16 R,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,351,035 11/1967 McLean Attorneys- Richard S. Sciascia, Ervin F. Johnston and Thomas G. Keongh ABSTRACT: A pair of hemispherically shaped transparent shells is carried on a hinged annular bracket forming a waterflow resistant envelope for providing an underwater sanctuary for a diver. Suspending divers in contemporary, protective jail-cell"-like cages from a surface craft subjects them to violet buffeting as the cage is jerked and dropped through the water as it follows the supporting ship's heaving and pitching motions. The hemispherical shells prevent such buffeting by enclosing a diver in a relatively static slug" of water and simultaneously protecting him from all marine predators from sharks to piranhas. Mounting a pivotable hinge, diametrically opposed to a pair of separable handle elements, allows splitting of the Sea Cage its entire girth to permit an unimpeded entrance and exit from the cage.

PATENTEU JMH 1 m2 INVENTORS' LARRY E. McKlNLEY BY WILLIAM E. EVANS CLARENCE S. JOHNSON THOMAS s. KEOU ERViN F. JOHNST ATTORNEYS SEA CAGE STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Sanctuaries for divers have generally assumed the appearance of a cage having a heavy hinged door. The barred or netted cages always present an obstacle to photographers, for obvious reasons, and by having the relatively limited, hingedaccess hatch, require a considerable amount of maneuvering as a diver enters or leaves. Employing such cages created a hazard for the diver since he was subjected to battering and buffeting against the top and floor of the cage as it moved through water in response to wave-induced motions of a supporting boat. An alternative, to having a limited access and being battered by conventional cages, is to face dangerous marine predators such as sharks, barracudas, eels, piranhas, etc., entirely exposed, a totally unacceptable alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to providing an apparatus forming a sanctuary from marine predators and includes a hinged joint connecting a pair of congruent, hemispherically shaped, transparent shells oriented in an opposing relationship carrying a pair of handle elements diametrically opposed from the hinge for permitting ease of opening and closing by a diver. A diver safely inside the shells has unrestricted omnidirectional visibitity and is not subjected to buffeting as the apparatus is reciprocably displaced through the water in response to wave and surge-induced motions of a supporting boat since the shells enclose a trapped slug of water.

The prime object of the instant invention is to provide a sanctuary for a diver requiring a minimal effort for entry and exit.

Another prime object is to provide a protective envelope for an enclosed diver to prevent his being buffeted and battered in response to wave and surge action.

A further object of the instant invention is to provide a diver sanctuary ensuring complete omnidirectional visibility.

Yet another object is to provide an underwater habitat of minimum weight and size to enable its deployment with substantially all diving operations.

An ultimate object of the instant invention is to provide a diver sanctuary affording complete protection to a diver from all marine predators, irrespective of their size.

These and other objects of the instant invention will become more readily apparent from the drawings when taken with the ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an isometric depiction of the invention safely enclosing a diver from marine predators.

FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the invention showing its ease of access.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, the Sea Cage is primarily formed of three major elements, a pair of hemispherically shaped transparent shells I1 and 12 carried on an interposed annular bracket 13.

Each of the hemispherically shaped shells is constructed from a flat transparent plastic plate held in a pair of ringshaped rim-dies. The plate is heated to a predetermined temperature, governed by the thickness of the plastic plate and the desired degree of deformation, and a source of pressurized air is brought to bear against one side. The plate is deformed and it bulges out to assume a hemispherical shape. Alternately, introducing a vacuum on one side of the heated plastic plate is used to achieve the desired shape. Conceivably, the hemispherically shaped shells are molded or machined from a block of a transparent plastic; however, the exact manner of shaping the hemispherical shells is incidental with respect to the invention.

Let it suffice to say, that in view of the fact that the Sea Cage is used as a sanctuary from dangerous marine predators of all sizes, the hemispherically shaped shells are a sufficient thickness to repel determined attacks by the predators. Transparent plastic shells have suitable strength characteristics as well as being far cheaper and lighter than glass shells. In the alternative, the shells are constructed of an opaque material having the desired strength characteristics; however, one of the advantages of the instant invention, having an omnidirectional visibility capability, is denied using opaque shells.

The annular bracket includes three ring-shaped rims l4, l5, and 16. Rim 14 is secured to hemispherically shaped shell 11, in a conventional manner, such as by bonding the shell onto the rim or using a plurality of suitable clamps holding a flanged portion of the shell and rim together and in a similar manner, rim I6 is secured to hemispherically shaped shell 12. Lateral surfaces of rims l5 and 16 contiguously abut each other when the shells are closed and a conventional, elongate pinned hinge 17 connects the rims and their two hemispherically shaped shells together to allow a planar pivotal motion about the axes defined by the hinges pin.

Diametrically opposed from the hinge, a pair of handle elements l8 and 19 are mounted on rims l5 and 16, respectively, to provide levers for a diver to impart the aforementioned pivotal displacement about hinge I7. When the hemispheres are closed, the relative locations of handle elements 18 and 19 are, adjacent one another in the same horizontal planar projection. This same horizontal planar relationship is maintained as the hemispheres are angularly displaced in opposite directions by a diver entering the Sea Cage, noting FIG. 2. Having the hemispheres motion restricted to only horizontal travel, coupled with the location of the handle elements and their relative size emphasizes one of the novel advantages of the instant invention, namely, being so constructed allows the diver to exert simultaneous, counteracting forces on the two handle elements when opening or closing the Sea Cage. Producing self-cancelling counteracting forces is desirable in an underwater environment since a diver, being relatively weightless, must otherwise take the time and effort required to brace himself to open hatches and doors carried on conventional cages.

The force required to open or close the Sea Cage is significantly reduced by venting a limited flow of water to or from the Sea Cages interior as the cage is opened or closed, respectively. A plurality of spacer elements 20 is interposed between and separates rims l4 and 15 a short distance to provide a limited water-flow area through which water is vented to overcome opening and closing resistance.

A base frame 21 is dependent from and orthogonally disposed with respect to, the annular bracket member to serve as a footing when the Sea Cage rests on the bottom of a body of water. Suitable welded or bolted connections join the base frame to the annular bracket at the lower extensions of handle element 18 and hinge l7, and one of the spacer elements 20 is secured at the bottom of the bracket to the frame.

All of the above recited elements are preferably constructed of lightweight materials to expedite the Sea Cages use, handling, and storage. Constructing the bracket and frame of square anodized aluminum tubing supporting a pair of opposing, hemispherically shaped shells molded of /4-inch plastic gives the Sea Cage a total weight of less than I00 pounds. Thus, included supporting lines 22 need not be particularly heavy-duty. When terminating in a common ring 22a, the supporting lines are appropriately lengthened to permit a free, unrestricted, pivotal opening and closing of the Sea Cage. Having one supporting line attached to the hinge and the other two secured to rim I4 and rim I6, provides a gentle closing force when the shells are split. That is to say, that the weight of the shell, with or without a diver, causes the angularly parted shells to be drawn together due to the angularly directed, tensile forces exerted by the supporting lines. Carrying an average diver creates a closing force of approximately 15 pounds, sufficient to keep predators out while allowing ease in entry and exit,

The 100 pound embodiment has proven adequate in protecting divers from moderate sized sharks since its unique configuration, being spherically shaped, deflects oncoming sharks obliquely approaching an enclosed diver. Sharks perpendicularly contacting a hemispheres surface merely pushed the cage about an axis generally defined as running through the common ring, and were deflected past the Sea Cage. More complete protection is ensured, obviously, by constructing the Sea Cage out of much heavier materials including glass hemispherically shaped shells. However, the added weight versus ease in use and handling tends to favor the plastic shells.

Where small predators are encountered, a wire mesh 21a optionally is mounted between rims l4 and 15 to prevent their entry. Further modification calls for providing a seat 20b on which the diver is seated while observing and photographing marine life.

In operation, a diver coming from the outside of the cage grasps two handle elements 18 and 19 and spreads them apart with an oppositely directed force. No unbalanced is produced since the diverging forces are opposed and self-cancel. As the two shells pivot about hinge 17, a large access area is presented and the diver quickly and easily enters the cage, irrespective of the fact that he is carrying bulky air tanks and gear. After entry, the diver grasps the inward extensions of rims l and 16 and exerts a converging force pulling the two hemispherically shaped shells together and closed. During this opening and closing process, a limited amount of water is free to flow through the area between rims l4 and and a diver need not overly exert himself overcoming a relative suction when opening the cage, or relative pressure when closing the cage.

in rough weather, a surface-supported, conventional jailcell cage subjects its occupants to severe buffeting and battering as it follows its supporting vessels heaving and pitching motions. With the instant invention, this diver abuse is substantially eliminated because the hemispherically shaped shells block the free passage of water through the interior of the cage and enclose a diver in a protective envelope. The limited water-flow coming through the area defined between rims l4 and 15 is insufficient to move the diver inside the shells,

As an alternate to constructing both hemispherically shaped shells with identical dimensions, one shell is slightly larger than the other to enable ones being placed inside the other during storage and transport to and from the worksite.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings, and, it is therefore understood that within the scope of the disclosed inventive concept, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for providing sanctuary from marine predators comprising:

connecting means mechanically cooperating to form a hinged joint and vertically disposed to allow only horizontal pivotal motion;

means defining a rigid, split shell joined by said connecting means being configured and sized to form a water-flowresistant, protective envelope at least the size of a man; and

means for imparting a horizontal pivotal opening and closing of said split shell about said hinged joint having portions mounted on said split shell in an opposing relationship at a position diametrically opposite said hinged joint and oriented to ensure a horizontal bidirectional displacement of said split shell, upon exerting a diver ing force on said portions, said shell IS horizontally pivo al y opened permitting an unrestricted entry and upon exerting a converging force on said portions, said shell is horizontally pivotally closed ensuring rapid safety from marine predators and immunity from water-flow buffeting.

2. An apparatus according to claim I in which said rigid split is a pair of transparent hemispherically shaped shells joined at opposing peripheral extremes by said connecting means and mounting said portions diametrically opposed from the connecting means facilitating said horizontal pivotal opening and closing.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 further including:

means carried between split halves of said split shell allowing a limited transfer of water therethrough for reducing the force required to open and close said split shell.

4. An apparatus for providing sanctuary from marine predators comprising:

connecting means mechanically cooperating to form a hinged joint;

means defining a rigid, split shell joined by said connecting means being configured and sized to form a water-flowresistant, protective envelope at least the size of a man;

an annular bracket having a first element secured to onehalf of said split shell and a second element secured to the other half of said split shell with both elements connected to said hinged joint, said annular bracket is configured with a sufficient longitudinal span to ensure a limited transfer of water therethrough for reducing the force required to open and close said split shell; and

means for imparting a pivotal opening and closing of said split shell about said connecting means having portions mounted on said split shell in an opposing relationship and adapted to impart by directional displacement of said split shell, upon exerting a diverging force on said portion, said shell is pivotally opened permitting an unrestricted entry and upon exerting a converging force on said portions, said shell is pivotally closed ensuring rapid safety from marine predators and immunity from waterflow buffeting.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 further including:

means for suspending said split shell ata predetermined level in the water strategically joined to said annular bracket to call for a minimal effort when horizontally opening and closing said split shell.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5 further including:

a frame assembly affixed to the underside of said first element shaped to orient said annular bracket in a vertical relationship to permit only a horizontal pivotal motion by said second element when opening and closing said split shell.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6 in which said rigid split shell is a pair of hemispherically shaped shells joined at opposing peripheral extremes by said connecting means and mounting said portions diametrically opposed from the connecting means facilitating said pivotal opening and closing.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7 in which said hemispherically shaped shells are transparent to enable omnidirectional visibility.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8 in which the suspending means is three supporting lines secured to said hinge joint, and to each of said hemispherically shaped shells to produce a gentle closing force due to the tensile force exerted by .the angularly separated said supporting lines. 

1. An apparatus for providing sanctuary from marine predators comprising: connecting means mechanically cooperating to form a hinged joint and vertically disposed to allow only horizontal pivotal motion; means defining a rigid, split shell joined by said connecting means being configured and sized to form a water-flowresistant, protective envelope at least the size of a man; and means for imparting a horizontal pivotal opening and closing of said split shell about said hinged joint having portions mounted on said split shell in an opposing relationship at a position diametrically opposite said hinged joint and oriented to ensure a horizontal bidirectional displacement of said split shell, upon exerting a diverging force on said portions, said shell is horizontally pivotally opened permitting an unrestricted entry and upon exerting a converging force on said portions, said shell is horizontally pivotally closed ensuring rapid safety from marine predators and immunity from water-flow buffeting.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1 in which said rigid split is a pair of transparent hemispherically shaped shells joined at opposing peripheral extremes by said connecting means and mounting said portions diametrically opposed from the connecting means facilitating said horizontal pivotal opening and closing.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 further including: means carried between split halves of said split shell allowing a limited transfer of water therethrough for reducing the force required to open and close said split shell.
 4. An apparatus for providing sanctuary from marine predators comprising: connecting means mechanically cooperating to form a hinged joint; means defining a rigid, split shell joined by said connecting means being configured and sized to form a water-flow-resistant, protective envelope at least the size of a man; an annular bracket having a first element secured to one-half of said split shell and a second element secured to the other half of said split shell with both elements connected to said hinged joint, said annular bracket is configured with a sufficient longitudinal span to ensure a limited transfer of water therethrough for reducing the force required to open and close said split shell; and means for imparting a pivotal opening and closing of said split shell about said connecting means having portions mounted on said split shell in an opposing relationship and adapted to impart by directional displacement of said split shell, upon exerting a diverging force on said portion, said shell is pivotally opened permitting an unrestricted entry and upon exerting a converging force on said portions, said shell is pivotally closed ensuring rapid safety from marine predators and immunity from water-flow buffeting.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 4 further including: means for suspending said split shell at a predetermined level in the water strategically joined to said annular bracket to call for a minimal effort when horizontally opening and closing said split shell.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 5 further including: a frame assembly affixed to the underside of said first element shaped to orient said annular bracket in a vertical relationship to permit only a horizontal pivotal motion by said second element when opening and closing said split shell.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 6 in which said rigid split shell is a pair of hemispherically shaped shells joined at opposing peripheral extremes by said connecting means and mounting said portions diametrically opposed from the connecting means facilitating said pivotal opening and closing.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 7 in which said hemispherically shaped shells are transparent to enable omnidirectional visibility.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 8 in which the suspending means is three supporting lines secured to said hinge joint, and to each of said hemispherically shaped shells to produce a gentle closing force due to the tensile force exerted by the angularly separated said supporting lines. 